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Finance for schools, colleges, universities

Finance for Education

The education sector often uses asset finance as a means of acquiring the necessary equipment, facilities, and resources needed to provide high-quality education services.

Thanks to the government adopting new accounting rules in 2024, Local Authority schools are now able to enter fixed term leases on a wide range of assets and equipment, and this flexibility will be extended to include academies from September 2024.

Asset finance means you do not have to pay the full upfront cost. Instead, you can spread the cost over time through regular payments, making it more affordable and manageable.

Investing in your school shouldn't leave your budget completely depleted; make use of the finance options available and level up your school today.

Spread the cost of:

IT equipment
Telephony
Catering and cleaning equipment
Furniture
Bathroom and sanitary items
Gym equipment
Groundskeeping equipment
LED lighting systems
Minibuses and other vehicles
Temporary classrooms and equivalent structures

Assets schools can finance

At Bluestone, our expertise and wide funding panel allow us to offer fixed term finance leases for a wide range of assets* across the board. Here are some of the assets your Local Authority school could finance.

IT equipment (e.g., laptops, tablets, desktop computers, printers, photocopiers, servers, door entry security systems, CCTV Systems, whiteboards, and touchscreen boards
Telephony (e.g., mobile phones, landline phones and telephone systems)
Catering and cleaning equipment (e.g., tills, water coolers, vending machines, dishwashers, washing machines, ovens, fridges, freezers, water, boilers, small kitchen appliances)
Furniture (e.g., desks, tables, and chairs)
Bathroom and sanitary items (e.g., hand dryers, towel dispensers, sanitary bins)
Gym equipment (e.g., treadmills, free weights and weight machines, rowing machines and exercise bikes)
Groundskeeping equipment (e.g., lawn mowers, string trimmers, leaf blowers and salt spreaders)
LED lighting system (e.g., lightbulbs, control mechanisms and control panels)
Minibuses and other vehicles for the use of the school
Temporary classrooms and equivalent structures

*Assets not included on the DofE’s list will need to be submitted for consent to the Department of Education.

Finance for education - Students engaged in doing homework on a laptop, showing the connection between finance and education.

Finance for education support - A teacher providing assistance to students using computers, highlighting the role of finance in supporting educational endeavours.

Benefits of finance for schools

Asset finance opens up the landscape of opportunity for schools to be able to carry out their growth plans and facility the resources their students need for success.

Here are some of the ways schools and other educational institutions benefit from asset finance.

Cost-effectiveness: Asset finance can help schools access the latest equipment, technology, and facilities, without having to bear the high upfront cost of purchase.
Flexibility: Asset finance can be tailored to meet the specific needs and budgets of each school.
Improved cash flow: By spreading the cost of acquiring assets over time, schools can improve their cash flow, as they will not have to bear a large upfront cost.
Up-to-date equipment and facilities: Asset finance enables schools to regularly upgrade their equipment and facilities to provide the latest and most effective teaching resources to their students.

Finance with Bluestone

How we can help

At Bluestone, we understand that financing your school projects can be a challenging task, especially with limited budgets and tight timelines. That's why we're here to support you every step of the way.

Our team has over 25 years of experience helping schools and educational institutions secure the funding they need to improve their facilities, upgrade their equipment, and implement new programs. We'll work closely with you to understand your specific financing requirements and provide you with a range of financing options tailored to your school's unique needs.

Finance for the education sector

How Bluestone can help your school get the financing it needs!

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"Bluestone have been a supportive and communicative company, taking the time to understand our needs. That approach has enabled us to achieve the amazing results that we have!"

£1m

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£1m

Pete Whittard, Business Development Director

Finance for Fit-Out: ICMP

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"Because of Bluestone’s consultative approach to financing, we were confident and felt fully informed throughout. We knew that we were working with industry experts that could deliver on the project."

£700k

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Neil Moulding, Finance & Operations Director

Finance for a Hockey Pitch, IT and Vehicle: Radnor House

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Finance For Schools

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the eligibility requirements for asset finance for schools, and what information do we need to provide to be considered for financing?

To be eligible for asset finance for schools, you typically need to provide information about your school's financial history, including revenue, expenses, and debt. We may also require a personal guarantee from key members of your school's management team.

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What are the typical repayment terms and interest rates for asset finance for schools, and how does this compare to other financing options?

The repayment terms and interest rates for asset finance for schools vary depending on the specific financing product and the assets being financed. In general, repayment terms can range from a few months to several years, and interest rates will be determined based on your school's credit history and the specific financing product.

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Are there any tax benefits or other incentives for schools that use asset finance, and if so, how can we take advantage of them?

There may be tax benefits or other incentives for schools that use asset finance, depending on the specific financing product and your school's location. For example, in some cases, you may be able to claim tax deductions for the interest paid on the loan. We would be happy to discuss these options with you and help you determine if they are applicable to your school.

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Can you work with us to tailor a financing solution to meet the specific needs of our school, and if so, what is involved in this process?

Absolutely! Our goal is to help you find the financing solution that best meets the needs of your school. We will work with you to understand your specific requirements and develop a tailored financing solution that fits your needs. This may involve considering a variety of financing products and providers, and we will provide you with guidance and support throughout the process.

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What services do Bluestone provide to customers?

Bluestone provides a comprehensive range of financial services designed to help businesses manage their cash flow and growth. These include asset finance, allowing companies to spread the cost of purchasing equipment and machinery while maintaining liquidity. Invoice finance solutions offer immediate access to funds tied up in unpaid invoices, ensuring smoother cash flow management. Bluestone also provides tailored cash flow loans and customer finance options to meet short-term financial needs and enhance sales potential. Additionally, the company offers property finance for purchasing, refinancing, or developing commercial properties, as well as vehicle finance for acquiring individual vehicles or managing entire fleets.

Our team are always here to help...

We know finance can be complex and often it's easier to talk things through. Drop us a message or give us a call 0330 135 8660 and we'll get back to you ASAP.

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